Report: Joba Chamberlain signs 1-year deal with Tigers

Joba Chamberlain has a 3.51 ERA as a reliever in seven seasons. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Former Yankee reliever Joba Chamberlain has signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers worth $2.5 million plus performance bonuses, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

The Diamondbacks were reportedly in the mix for the 28-year-old, but Chamberlain will join a Detroit bullpen that includes new closer Joe Nathan.

Chamberlain's first two seasons in the big leagues were spectacular, but he failed in his attempt to become a starter in 2009 and has been subpar upon returning to a relief role.

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Chamberlain has also had injury issues. He missed a month last season with an abdominal strain, dislocated his ankle in March 2012 jumping on a trampoline and had Tommy John surgery in June 2011.

In seven seasons with the Yankees, Chamberlain was 23-14 with a 3.85 ERA in 260 games, including 43 starts. Last season he had a 4.93 ERA in only 42 innings.

He has a 4.18 ERA as a starter and a 3.51 ERA as a reliever in his career.

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